An online petition, “No Budget Cuts to Dallas Animal Services – We Care” had nearly 4,000 signatures as of Sunday.

The proposed budget from the city manager’s office recommends cutting the number of workers at the shelter in half from 35 to 17. These are the workers that clean the kennels and feed the more than 600 animals daily.

The proposed budget also cuts money for vaccination on intake and for canned pet food.

Faced with a projected $30 million shortfall, Dallas Animal Services is not the only city department facing possible cuts and city officials emphasize the budget is far from final.

In a statement given to CBS 11 News, a city spokesperson wrote:

“Dallas Animal Services enjoys great support among the Dallas community and from within Dallas City Hall. All budget projections are preliminary and to date there is no recommended budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

The City Council and city staff are working to address the $30M gap in the City Manager’s most recent budget update. We are exploring all options that will allow Dallas Animal Services to continue to carry out its vital mission.”

In the city manager’s proposed budget also doesn’t include money for the PetSmart Charities Adoption Center. The partnership between the city and PetSmart allows the city to house some of its “adoptable dogs and cats” at a PetSmart store in north Dallas. The Dallas Animal Services says the program has saved hundreds of animals’ lives since the program began in September.